by our College Data Analytics Team
[Pre-Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/pre-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 28 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for pre-engineering students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in pre-engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Century College, our #1 best value for pre-engineering in the The Plains States Region. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Typical student debt for pre-engineering graduates is $15,583. Pre-Engineering graduates of Century College earn a median of $47,502 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in pre-engineering will find it at Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Hibbing, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,022. Pre-Engineering graduates carry a median of $17,029 in student loans. Pre-Engineering graduates of Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College earn a median of $44,387 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,029 median debt.
Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in pre-engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Fergus Falls, Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,908. Pre-Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,197 in student loans. Early-career pre-engineering graduates make about $42,972. That is a strong return on a $18,197 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Anoka Ramsey Community College earned it the #4 place for pre-engineering. Set in the suburb of Coon Rapids, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,682. Pre-Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,593 in student loans. Early-career pre-engineering graduates make about $44,293. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Normandale Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value pre-engineering schools. Normandale Community College is a large public school located in the city of Bloomington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,329. Students borrow a median of $20,162 to complete the pre-engineering program here. Early-career pre-engineering graduates make about $53,871. Set against $20,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Butler Community College placed #6 among the best values for pre-engineering. Set in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,541, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Typical student debt for pre-engineering graduates is $16,670. Pre-Engineering graduates of Butler Community College earn a median of $39,404 early in their careers. Set against $16,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 28 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.